Our first conversation in the "Reformed Perspectives" series is with Pastor Paul Van Maaren of First Reformed Church of Sheldon, Iowa. The congregation in Sheldon recently departed from the Reformed Church in America and became affiliated with the Alliance of Reformed Churches. In this conversation we learn about the state of the RCA and how things are going in the newly formed ARC.

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Things have been getting very interesting in the Reformed world over the past few years, both within the CRC and without. So in this week's episode we're kicking off a new series where we'll be trying to consider where things are and where things are headed. Today we reflect on some of the bigger trends within the Reformed churches today and how we've gotten here, and in the weeks to come we'll be getting some interesting guests from around the Reformed community (and the globe) to help give us some perspective on what the Lord is doing all around us today.

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

How should a Christian engage the surrounding culture when there are so many passionately debated issues that divide us? Do we participate in the culture wars? Do we retreat into the church and wait to go to heaven?

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

As Reformed Christians, our beliefs about baptism set us apart from many American Christians, especially those who believe babies should not be baptized. How can we talk about baptism in a way that will help conversations move in a constructive rather than divisive direction?

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Mark is back from sabbatical and sharing what he learned while traveling in Europe and North America. Much of the conversation centers on worship and the differing emphases of traditional and modern liturgical styles.

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

Life today in our busy, fast-paced world rarely affords us the freedom of rest--but perhaps there is nothing more needful for our souls. Throughout the Bible, the subject of rest plays a crucial role, from beginning to end. And our own Reformed tradition has much to say on the matter as well. So in this week's episode (the final one with guest Lucas before Mark's return in 2 weeks' time), we cover this important subject and reflect on ways that we might reconsider and reorient our understanding of rest according to God's Word. Grace + peace!

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

On this week's episode, Zac and Lucas sit down with Pastor Patrick Anthony (Immanuel CRC of Ripon, CA) and Pastor Dave Vander Meulen (Escalon CRC of Escalon, CA) to reflect on Synod 2023 and their experiences there as two of the four delegates from Classis Central California. The aim of this episode is twofold: to provide a simple report of what took place at synod and to discuss the implications of these decisions for the interested lay person.

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Visit www.immanuelcrc.org/ for more information about Immanuel CRC in Ripon, CA.

Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

No, we're NOT talking about #CRCSynod this week. Instead, Pastor Zac and Pastor Lucas sat down to discuss the question: is fighting in war biblically justified? This is a difficult but important subject for Christians to consider, not only because it gets to the very heart of how the Lord has called us to live in this world, but also because it touches on several other important topics such as nationhood, government, justice, self-defense & protection of innocents, etc. 

Mentioned in the episode:

• "Just War Theory", essay in Protestant Social Teaching: An Introduction

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

In this first episode since Pastor Mark's sabbatical, Pastor Zac welcomes to the show our friend and special guest co-host for the summer, Lucas Geiger, youth pastor of Escalon CRC in Escalon, CA.

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Visit www.escaloncrc.org/ for information about Escalon CRC.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

With Synod 2023 just around the corner for the Christian Reformed Church, Mark and Zac take some time to reflect together on recent developments within the denomination, and discuss arguments such as those put forward by the Better Together movement that we ought to prioritize unity and mission over sexual ethics. 

Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA.

Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.